Having worked her way through college and put her own children through school, Robin is a strong believer in the importance and power of higher education. As Treasurer, she will continue to provide Illinois families with more ways to save for college. Her focus will be on providing programs that are efficient, transparent, and effective.

Record of Accomplishment

As chief of staff to the Treasurer, Robin helped lead a complete turnaround of the state's college savings plan- moving it from nearly dead last to being ranked one of the top five programs in the country in April, 2008. Administered by the Treasurer's Office, the college savings program was credited for its "sensibly constructed" investment options and "rock-bottom" fees, according to MorningStar, an investment research company that annually ranks the nation's top programs.

Robin also oversees the distribution of resources for the new Fallen Heroes Scholarship Fund that benefits children who have lost a parent in current or future military conflicts. Children between the ages of 18 and 30 are eligible for a $2,500 scholarship that is deposited into a college savings account. The funds can be used for college tuition, fees, and room and board at accredited colleges, universities, and vocational schools in the U.S. and some abroad.